Photothermal response microneedle device with health care function

Abstract

The application discloses a photothermal response microneedle device with health-care function, which comprises a photothermal response microneedle patch with a base, and an infrared irradiator, wherein the photothermal response microneedle patch with the base is composed of polymer solid microneedles, and the polymer solid microneedles are connected to a five-finger light-transmitting table of the infrared irradiator; the infrared irradiator comprises a bottom plate, a shell, a five-finger light-transmitting table and a supporting table connected to the shell, a groove for connecting the microneedle patch is arranged at the center of the upper surface of the five-finger light-transmitting table, a first electrode and a second electrode are arranged on the ridge lines of the two side surfaces of the five-finger light-transmitting table, respectively, and the surface of one side is provided with heat dissipation holes, and an infrared lamp tube is electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photothermal response microneedle device with the health-care function can effectively penetrate the fingertip epidermis and stimulate the Shenzhong acupoint, and the health-care effect can be achieved by frequently using the microneedle device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a medical device, and more particularly to a photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care functions. Background Technology

[0002] The use of stimulation of the Ten Xuan acupoints to treat diseases has a long history and is widely recorded in ancient Chinese medical classics. The *Ling Shu* states that stimulating the Ten Xuan acupoints can regulate emotions and soothe the mind. The *Nan Jing* further mentions that "fullness below the heart" corresponds to "a feeling of blockage and discomfort in the heart," and stimulating the Ten Xuan acupoints can provide relief. The *Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang* indicates that the Ten Xuan acupoints can be stimulated in cases of shock and shortness of breath. The *Zhen Jiu Da Quan* also mentions that acupuncture at the Ten Xuan acupoints can be used to treat palpitations and mania.

[0003] Modern research shows that stimulating the Shixuan acupoint can improve local microcirculation and nerve nutrition, reduce local capillary permeability, thereby restoring the normal function of local nerves and blood vessels in the limbs. Simultaneously, it stimulates, awakens, and restores brain cell vitality through nerve reflexes. Therefore, stimulating this acupoint can clear heat, calm the mind, and refresh the brain, achieving a health-preserving effect.

[0004] Microneedles are arrays of tiny needles made of materials such as metals or polymers. They precisely penetrate the stratum corneum without touching pain receptors, avoiding skin damage and pain, while simultaneously promoting drug penetration. In recent years, with the development of polymer materials, polymer microneedles have become a new research hotspot. Polymer microneedles gradually dissolve after piercing the stratum corneum, releasing the drug. Compared to traditional microneedles, polymer microneedles not only avoid the risk of biocontamination but also cause less harm to the body after dissolving within the skin.

[0005] Traditional methods for stimulating the Ten Xuan acupoints include massage, moxibustion, and three-edged needle pricking, but these methods have certain drawbacks. Moxibustion can cause skin blistering and ulceration if applied improperly due to the difficulty in controlling the temperature of the moxa stick. Furthermore, burning moxa produces carcinogens that can severely damage the lungs, leading to low patient compliance. Three-edged needle pricking is unsuitable for patients with thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, or those prone to fainting at the sight of blood, and it also poses risks of wound infection and difficulties in disposing of sharps and medical waste.

[0006] It is evident that existing treatment methods still have shortcomings and require improvement. Therefore, this invention combines microneedling with transdermal drug delivery via acupoints, utilizing the ten Xuan acupoints for drug absorption, and then achieving therapeutic effects on related organs through the flow of meridians. The dual effects of microneedling and meridian therapy achieve both health maintenance and disease treatment. Compared to traditional methods such as three-edged needle pricking and moxibustion, this treatment method avoids risks such as pain, lung damage, or skin burns, while also enhancing drug delivery. Regular use of this microneedle device can clear heat, calm the mind, and refresh the brain, achieving health maintenance effects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a photothermal response microneedle device with health care function that can control temperature and time, is reusable, efficient and precise.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care functions, comprising:

[0009] An infrared irradiator includes a base plate, a housing, and a five-finger light-transmitting platform and a support platform connected to the housing. The five-finger light-transmitting platform is located on the upper part of the housing, and the support platform is located in the middle of the housing. The five-finger light-transmitting platform has five built-in infrared lamps. A groove for connecting microneedle patches is provided at the center of the upper surface of the platform. A first electrode and a second electrode are evenly distributed along the edges of both sides of the platform. One side of the platform has heat dissipation holes. An infrared lamp is electrically connected between the first and second electrodes. The front side of the housing has a light intensity control knob and a time control knob. A charging port is provided on the upper surface of the housing. The infrared lamps provide an infrared light source. The five-finger light-transmitting platform supports the ten acupoints (Shixuan acupoints), and the support platform supports the palm.

[0010] A base-mounted photothermal responsive microneedle patch, wherein the base-mounted photothermal responsive microneedle patch is a polymer solid microneedle structure, which is connected to the five-finger light-transmitting stage of the infrared irradiator. The polymer solid microneedle structure includes a substrate and a needle body. The substrate of the base-mounted photothermal responsive microneedle patch is made of a polymer containing 2D MXene material, and the needle body is made of a polymer containing extracts of Artemisia argyi and ginger.

[0011] Preferably, the photothermal responsive microneedle patch with a base is composed of a microneedle array with a height of 200-600 μm. Each solid needle of the photothermal responsive microneedle patch with a base is conical or triangular pyramidal in shape, with a needle tip diameter of 5-60 μm and a needle body bottom diameter of 200-500 μm.

[0012] Preferably, the lower edge of the base plate is provided with a groove for laying conductive wires.

[0013] Preferably, the upper surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform is made of light-transmitting heat-resistant glass, and a sealing ring is provided between the five-finger light-transmitting platform and the housing.

[0014] Preferably, the light intensity control knob of the infrared irradiator has three settings: low, medium, and high, and the time control knob has an adjustment range of 0 to 20 minutes.

[0015] Compared with existing treatment methods, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] (1) The present invention has a novel structure and applies microneedle technology to the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In particular, it has created a photothermal response microneedle device that can promote the release of drugs under infrared light irradiation and can effectively penetrate the epidermis of the fingertip to stimulate the ten acupoints.

[0017] (2) The photothermal responsive microneedle patch used in this invention does not have the problem of reuse, which reduces the risk of cross-infection; after use, no sharps are left behind, and medical waste is easier to dispose of.

[0018] (3) The present invention can support the ten acupoints. When using the drug delivery device, the acupoints and microneedle patches can be completely attached, and the effect of precise drug delivery can be achieved.

[0019] (4) This invention is safe and effective, applicable to a wide range of people, and easy to promote and use on a large scale.

[0020] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0021] This application provides an overview of various implementations or examples of the technology described in this disclosure, and is not a full disclosure of the entire scope or all features of the disclosed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function according to the present invention.

[0024] Key reference numerals:

[0025] 1-Photothermal responsive microneedle patch with base; 2-Infrared irradiator; 21-Light transmission stage; 22-First electrode; 23-Second electrode; 24-Heat dissipation hole; 25-Infrared lamp tube; 26-Support platform; 27-Light intensity control knob; 28-Base plate; 29-Charging port; 211-Housing shell; 212-Time control knob; 213-Wire groove. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0028] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function, comprising:

[0029] A photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 with a base is a replaceable structure. After use, the microneedle patch can be replaced with a new one, enabling repeated use and reducing costs. The polymer microneedle material is a soluble substrate such as PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), HA (hyaluronic acid), or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), or their composite materials. PVA has high strength and high biosolubility, while HA has good water retention. Combining the advantages of these two materials achieves better results. Therefore, this invention uses HA / PVA polymer to prepare the microneedles. The photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 includes a substrate and a needle body. The substrate of the photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 is a polymer containing 2D MXene. The photothermal material 2D MXene can rapidly convert almost 100% of the absorbed light energy into heat energy, promoting the dissolution of the microneedles and accelerating drug release. The base-mounted photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 has a conical needle body. To avoid piercing the dermis and causing bleeding, the maximum height of the needle body is 600 μm, the maximum diameter of the needle tip is 60 μm, and the maximum diameter of the needle base is 500 μm. The needle body of the base-mounted photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 is made of a polymer containing extracts of mugwort and ginger. These medicinal materials have the effect of unblocking meridians and promoting blood circulation. In summary, the base-mounted photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 can stimulate the ten acupoints.

[0030] The infrared irradiator 2 includes a base plate 28, a housing 211, and a light-transmitting platform 21 with five built-in infrared lamps 25 fixed on the housing 211, as well as a support platform 26. The infrared lamps 25 provide an infrared light source, the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21 supports the Shixuan acupoints, and the support platform 26 supports the palm. In summary, the main functions of the infrared irradiator 2 are to provide an infrared light source and support the hand. In particular, this invention is superior to any acupoint microneedling for treating the Shixuan acupoints because the epidermis at the Shixuan acupoints has a large curvature, making it difficult for existing acupoint microneedles to achieve complete adhesion to this epidermis, resulting in poor treatment effects.

[0031] As previously stated, in the technical solution of this invention, the temperature of the photothermal responsive microneedle patch will rise under the action of infrared light. Therefore, to prevent the internal temperature of the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21 from becoming too high, a heat dissipation hole 24 should be provided on the right surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21. To improve the utilization rate of infrared light, the upper surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21 should be made of a light-transmitting material. Considering safety, it is not suitable to use polymer materials to make the light-transmitting part in this invention, but heat-resistant glass is preferred. The groove on the upper surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21 matches the base of the photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 with a base, and a locking structure is used to lock it in place. The side length of the base of the photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 is slightly larger than the side length of the groove. Considering the stability of the structure, a sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is provided between the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21 and the housing 211. Considering that this device relies on electricity, a wire groove 213 is provided on the lower edge of the base plate 28 to facilitate the laying of conductive wires. In this embodiment of the invention, a second electrode 23 is evenly distributed along the ridge of the left surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21, and a first electrode 22 corresponding to the second electrode 23 is provided along the ridge of the right surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform 21. An infrared lamp tube 25 is electrically connected between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 23. The infrared lamp tube 25 can, in fact, be selected with a power similar to that of a conventional infrared lamp device.

[0032] The function of the photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function is based on the following principle:

[0033] (1) Photosensitive drug release method using microneedles. This method controls the release of drugs from microneedle patches by changing the light intensity of an infrared irradiator. Under near-infrared light irradiation, the photothermal material 2D MXene can rapidly convert almost 100% of the absorbed light energy into heat energy, promoting the dissolution of microneedles and accelerating drug release.

[0034] (2) Microneedle Enhancement Method. Microneedling technology provides an important and advanced approach to disease treatment, effectively enabling subcutaneous drug delivery and promoting rapid drug absorption, thereby significantly improving therapeutic effects. This method combines microneedling with transdermal drug delivery through acupoints, utilizing the ten Xuan acupoints for drug absorption, and then using the meridian pathways to achieve excellent therapeutic effects on the relevant organs. Under the dual effects of microneedling and meridian therapy, it achieves the purpose of both health maintenance and disease treatment.

[0035] The operation method of the photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function is as follows:

[0036] S1: Install the photothermal responsive microneedle patch 1 with a base onto the five-finger light transmission stage 21;

[0037] S2: Connect the charging port 29 and adjust the light intensity control knob 27. The medium setting provides the best therapeutic effect, or adjust according to the patient's comfort level. For infants and young children, a low setting can be selected.

[0038] S3: Adjust the time control knob 212. Recommended time range: Low: 8-10 min; Medium: 5-8 min; High: 3-5 min.

[0039] S4: Place the fingertip perpendicular to the photothermal response microneedle patch 1, and place the metacarpophalangeal joint on the support platform 26;

[0040] S5: Turn off the device and remove the used microneedle patch;

[0041] S6: Recommended use 1-3 times per week;

[0042] S7: If any adverse signs appear on the fingers during use, stop using the device immediately.

[0043] Compared with existing technologies, this microneedle drug delivery device can effectively penetrate the epidermis of the fingertip to stimulate the ten acupoints, while avoiding the pain caused by pricking with a three-edged needle and the risk of damage to the lungs and burns caused by moxibustion. It also enhances the drug delivery effect, which can have the effects of clearing heat and calming the mind, and refreshing the brain. Regular use of this microneedle device can achieve health care effects.

[0044] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within its spirit and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photothermal-responsive microneedle device with health-care functions, characterized in that, include: A photothermal responsive microneedle device with health-care functions includes: An infrared irradiator includes a base plate, a housing, and a five-finger light-transmitting platform and a support platform connected to the housing. The five-finger light-transmitting platform is located at the upper part of the housing, and the support platform is located at the middle part of the housing. The five-finger light-transmitting platform is a light-transmitting platform with five built-in infrared lamps. A groove is provided at the center of the upper surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform to facilitate the connection of microneedle patches. A first electrode and a second electrode are evenly distributed at the edges of the two sides of the platform. Heat dissipation holes are provided on one side of the platform. An infrared lamp is electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode. A photothermal responsive microneedle patch with a base, wherein the photothermal responsive microneedle patch with a base is a polymer solid microneedle structure, and the polymer solid microneedle structure is connected to the five-finger light-transmitting stage of the infrared irradiator; The polymer solid microneedle structure includes a substrate and a needle body; the substrate of the photothermal responsive microneedle patch with a base is a polymer containing 2D MXene material, and the needle body is a polymer containing artemisia and ginger extracts. The front side of the housing is provided with a light intensity control knob and a time control knob; the upper surface of the housing is provided with a charging port; the infrared lamp tube is used to provide an infrared light source; the five-finger light-transmitting platform supports the ten acupoints; and the support platform supports the palm. The polymer solid microneedle structure is a microneedle array with a height of 200-600 μm; each needle body is conical or triangular pyramidal in shape, with a needle tip diameter of 5-60 μm and a needle body bottom diameter of 200-500 μm; The lower edge of the base plate is provided with a groove for laying conductive wires.

2. The photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the five-finger light-transmitting platform is made of light-transmitting heat-resistant glass, and a sealing ring is provided between the five-finger light-transmitting platform and the shell.

3. The photothermal responsive microneedle device with health care function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light intensity control knob of the infrared irradiator has three settings: low, medium, and high. The time control knob has an adjustment range of 0 to 20 minutes.

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